By Nadine Osman
London (The Muslim News): Lebanon has announced the opening of schools and institutes to provide shelter for civilians displaced by the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the south. Bassam Mawlawi, the Lebanese Interior Minister, directed governors to facilitate the mass evacuation, ensuring these educational facilities can serve as safe havens for those affected. In support of this initiative, Education Minister Abbas Halabi has suspended classes for two days in southern Lebanon, where thousands have fled their homes amidst the intensifying bombardment.
The situation has grown increasingly concerning, as Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports at least 182 fatalities and 727 injuries from a series of Israeli airstrikes that began on Monday morning. The casualties include children, women, and medical personnel, although exact figures for some groups remain unclear.
This assault marks the most intense bombardment since hostilities escalated on October 8. Israeli fighter jets carried out operations across several regions in southern Lebanon, notably targeting Nabatieh and Tyre, as well as areas along the Litani River. The National News Agency (NNA) has reported airstrikes on towns such as Ansar and Zrariyeh, among others. As a result, many residents are fleeing towards Sidon in search of safety. An Anadolu correspondent has observed a significant increase in the exodus from Tyre and its surrounding areas as civilians seek refuge from the escalating violence.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the airstrikes, asserting, “The Israeli aggression is a scheme aimed at destroying Lebanese villages, towns, and eradicating all green spaces.”
In a stark warning, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari indicated that the army may extend its operations to target villages up to 80 kilometres from the border, stating, “In recent hours, we have identified Hezbollah’s plans to attack Israeli citizens. In the near future, we will strike hostile targets in Lebanon to eliminate this threat.” He further urged civilians in proximity to Hezbollah military sites to evacuate.
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated following a deadly airstrike on Friday that killed at least 45 individuals, including women and children, in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Among the deceased were 16 Hezbollah members, including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and top commander Ahmed Wahbi.
This escalation occurred just days after two waves of explosions across Lebanon resulted in 40 deaths and over 4,000 injuries. While the Lebanese government and Hezbollah attribute blame to Israel for these incidents, Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
This cross-border conflict comes in the wake of the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, where Palestinians killed by Israeli Defence Forces has now surpassed 41,455. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Monday that 24 additional Palestinians were killed in recent airstrikes, with the total number of injuries reaching 95,878 since 7 October 2023. The ministry described these deaths as the result of “massacres” that have occurred over the past 24 hours, with many individuals still trapped under rubble as rescuers struggle to reach them.
The relentless assaults have inflicted widespread devastation in Gaza, including a tragic airstrike on a school sheltering displaced civilians.
The Gaza Civil Defence reported that eight Palestinians, including two women and five children, were killed in airstrikes targeting a home in Deir Al-Balah and a school in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. “A mother and her four children were killed in the airstrike targeting the Al-Samak family home,” the Civil Defence stated, with similar tragedies unfolding across the region.
As Lebanon and Gaza continue to endure heavy bombardments, civilians in both territories face unprecedented challenges, grappling with the search for shelter, safety, and aid amid the ongoing conflict.
Photo: Rescue operations collapsed 5-story building during Israeli air attack in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, Gaza on 23 09, 2024. (Credit: Abo Alkas/ AA)
